To protect rooms from the sun, until recently, darkening window tint films were mainly used. This coating did not allow light to pass through, but it did not prevent overheating, since it itself accumulated energy. Over time, manufacturers have eliminated this drawback and today offer fundamentally new sun protection. This article will tell you about the types of new tint films, the main differences between them, the installation method, and will also help you choose the appropriate polymer coating.
Film composition
The raw material for the production of film material is polyester; The ready-to-use film looks like this:
- On one side, a layer of glue is applied to it, protected on top by an anti-adhesive (separating) sheet.
- On the other side, a layer of metal is sprayed. For spraying, aluminum, nickel or titanium are used; less commonly, a sprayed layer of silver or bronze is found. Each metal gives the film specific properties.
- To produce color film, special equipment is used - a laminator; the film material receives another layer of the selected shade. The technology makes it possible to obtain a durable structure that protects color from the destructive effects of ultraviolet radiation.
A variety of shades of tinting film Source alicdn.com
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Instructions for applying film
The positive features of the film also include additional protection for the glass - even if hit, the glass will not crumble, but will stick to the protective film, protecting it from the risk of damage from fragments. Many owners, having tried to apply the screen once, no longer refuse it. This serves as additional confirmation of the exclusivity of film as a material.
Pros and cons of tinting
The first tint films were invented in the 60s of the last century for the automotive industry; their key feature was their ability to dim sunlight. Since then, the scope of their application has expanded significantly, and owners decide to tint their windows for the following reasons:
- Initially, the only function remains the main reason for installation: the film still does an excellent job of protecting the interior from sunlight. Different types of material provide different degrees of protection as they provide different levels of darkness.
- A polymer with a mirror effect reliably protects owners from nosy neighbors, which is especially convenient for rooms on the first floor.
- Anti-vandal film materials make glass safer, and at the same time protect against external penetration attempts.
Different levels of tinting Source oknakomforta.ru
- Some types of window tinting help retain heat in a room, thereby increasing the energy efficiency of plastic windows.
- Tinting films are used in the design of glass and mirrors. Colored materials and those on which photo printing is applied are suitable for decorative processing.
The advantages of the polymer are limited to the following disadvantages:
- Darkening in the room is only well perceived in bright sunny weather. On cloudy days and in the evening, the atmosphere in the room looks rather dull.
- Tinting delays (reflects) part of the sun's rays along with their energy. The room does not warm up as well, which is important for the winter period.
- The film transmits rays only of a certain spectrum, which is why everything in the room takes on an unnatural (for example, grayish) tint. The disadvantage does not appear if you choose the right color.
The film acts as a light filter Source bigcommerce.com
See also: Catalog of companies that specialize in finishing materials and related work
Width of colors
The light transmittance of an athermal product is determined by percentage; the higher this indicator, the more light passes inside.
Color options and their level of transparency:
- silver: 15-50%;
- bronze, green, purple: 15;
- smoky: 20%;
- gray, blue, gold: 15-35%;
- solar bronze: 20-35%.
Types of material
All qualities of the film work if you stick it correctly. It is understood that the metal-coated layer should face outward (towards the street), since it is this layer that reflects the light rays, creating darkness in the home. The following types of films are used as tinting for windows of a house or apartment:
- Sun protection. It is usually chosen for the southern façade to protect the interior from overheating in the summer heat. The material retains a significant part of the light, due to which fabric on furniture and curtains fades less, wallpaper retains its color, and the brightness of glare on screens is reduced.
- Transparent heat reflective. A type of sun protection option - protects against overheating, but at the same time does not reduce the quality of lighting in the house.
- Mirror (reflective, metallized). It is used for rooms on lower floors. The material creates a one-way mirror effect from the outside (the view from the room does not change). It must be remembered that the effect disappears when the illumination in the room becomes higher than outside (for example, in the evening, when the lights are turned on).
Variety of tinting and its use Source 2gis.com
- Protective (anti-vandal). A special type that increases the impact-proof properties of double-glazed windows is divided into classes (A1, A2, A3) with varying degrees of strength. Even a strong blow does not cause the glass to shatter into dangerous pieces, which is especially valuable for children. Anti-vandal coating reduces the risk of glass breaking and strangers entering the house.
- Matte, colored. Applied for decorative purposes, it limits visibility and sets the desired appearance. The coating is widely used to decorate glass partitions in office and retail premises. If the partition breaks, the coating will reduce the risk of injury.
Methods
Tinting can be done in several ways.
- In bulk. The desired effect can be achieved by melting glass. For this purpose, metal oxide impurities are used. As a result, it turns out transparent, but with different shades. It is resistant to mechanical damage. High price corresponds to quality.
- Glass pyrolysis method. When it has not yet had time to harden, a very thin metal layer is applied. After cooling, it turns into a chemical composition. The finished surface is durable and has a mirror finish.
- Special films. This method is popular and inexpensive, so it is in high demand. Modern products are practical and reliable. They differ in varying degrees of eclipse, are mirrored and multi-colored. Additionally strengthen the surface.
Tinted double-glazed windows can be purchased ready-made. They are created during the manufacturing process. They have a long warranty period and are reliable in operation.
There are also films on sale that can be applied to the finished surface.
Tinting: what to consider
If you're considering tinting the windows in your home, the pros and cons aren't the only things you need to know about this technology. Tinting differs not only in the effect created, but also in its location:
- Internal films are glued to the glass from the side of the room or even inside the glass unit. Materials intended for indoor use are extremely varied in palette and percentage of darkening.
Color tinting creates an unusual effect Source amazon.com
Partial dimming options
If you do not need complete darkening of the windows, but the question of how to cover the openings is still relevant, the following options will be an excellent alternative:
- Bamboo blinds. They effectively transmit diffused soft light and look great in most interiors.
Bamboo blinds create a luxurious diffused light effect
- Pleated blinds. A model made of pleated fabric is another way to let the sun's rays into the room in a dosed manner. In addition, in some models you can comfortably adjust the height of the curtains, which is a definite plus.
Pleated blinds look very stylish
Many note the sophistication and benefits of the “day-night” model. This option is created using two types of fabric - translucent and dense. Depending on your needs, the system will create weak or strong shading, and will also help if you need protection from the street.
- Marquises. Another way to hide from the scorching sun and at the same time not lose the beautiful view from the window. Awnings made of thick canvas are usually hung outside the opening.
This cute canopy will provide much-needed shade in hot weather.
These cute and original visors do not absorb dirt or get wet. And you will have the opportunity to adjust the degree of inclination or the width of the canopy.
Do not think that such a shelter is good only for a private home; awnings are also successfully used on an ordinary balcony. Believe me, even on the wall of an ordinary Khrushchev building this model will look original and unusual.
- Roman curtains. When it comes to how to curtain the windows in an apartment, I cannot help but mention Roman curtains. They have an excellent reflective effect, and are also quite compact and easy to use.
Roman blinds will not only keep your room cool, but will also give you a more stylish look.
Stages of gluing glass on PVC windows
One wrong move can ruin the material. Therefore, the installation process requires accuracy, attention and concentration from the performer; In this case, window tinting with film consists of the following stages:
- The glass is cleaned as much as possible using a sponge and detergent. Then apply and clean off the soap solution several times using a spatula. The procedure efficiently removes the smallest specks of dust and degreases the surface.
- The film (usually a roll) is laid out on a flat and clean base. Measure out a fragment of the required size, cut it with a knife with an allowance around the perimeter (1.5-2 cm is enough).
The final stage of window tinting Source twowaymirrors.com
Features of care
After the window tinting procedure has been completed, it is time to take care of such openings. There are few specific recommendations here. The only thing that is not recommended is to wash the glass surface using chemicals containing abrasive particles. Wipe the windows with a microfiber cloth moistened with warm soapy water. When you want to use a sponge, it is important to make sure that it does not have large pores where dirt can easily get clogged and scratch the surface.
A little effort will help you achieve excellent results, enjoying the warm summer weather, from which you can easily hide at home. Rooms protected from ultraviolet radiation will remain pleasantly cool, even in the hot summer heat.
Briefly about the main thing
Tinting metal-plastic windows is a common solution, as it allows you to solve several problems without requiring large expenses. There are several types of polymer material on the market with different properties. You can not only get rid of the sweltering sun, but also maintain an optimal internal environment at the same time.
There are options with shockproof or decorative properties, but mirror tinting with the function of protecting against prying eyes is more popular. To successfully stick any film onto glass, you will need a certain set of tools; the cleanliness of the glass surface and the accuracy of the performers are also important.
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How else can you close windows from the sun?
Beautiful curtains look best on windows. Blackout curtains are used to protect from the sun. They come in white, black and colored. Most often, roller blinds are used on the sunny side. They can be used to close windows partially.
If serious waste is not part of your plans, you can make your own protection:
- From wallpaper. If you fold the canvas like an accordion, you get a kind of blinds. Make holes and thread the thread. Glue the blinds themselves to the frame with double-sided tape.
- From fabric. You can close the windows from the sun in your apartment using a suitable piece of fabric. To do this, you need to tuck it, stitch it and insert an elastic band inside. Then open the window and hook the rubber band onto the protrusion. On the balcony, where the doors most often do not open, you can install a mini-cafe cornice. It is simply glued to the frame.
